Kolkata Municipal Authority Shuts Down Restaurants Failing Hygiene Standards

In a sweeping enforcement move, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation has cancelled the licences of more than 40 restaurants and food stalls that did not meet basic hygiene requirements. The decision follows a week‑long surveillance operation by KMC’s food‑safety officials, who inspected food preparation areas, raw‑material handling and overall cleanliness.

The establishments affected include "Karims" on Ripon Street, "Nizams" near the KMC headquarters, and "Shimla Biryani" on the EM Bypass. An "Arsalan" branch in Nagarbazar and several other South Kolkata venues were also listed for licence withdrawal.

Authorities documented serious breaches such as the addition of wall‑paint pigments to biryani, fungal growth in stored food, and the presence of insects, cockroaches and rats in kitchen and storage zones. Expired spices, raw ingredients past their shelf‑life, and missing date stamps on prepared meals were also noted.

During the past seven days, 167 food outlets were raided, and approximately 1,300 kg of contaminated food was destroyed. While the licence cancellations are currently temporary, a remedial workshop is planned for Wednesday to provide training on proper food‑handling practices. State Food and Supply Minister Ashok Kirtania criticized the previous administration for neglecting food‑safety oversight and ordered a thorough audit of food quality and water standards across all hospitality establishments.